Scholarships

Universities, government agencies, non-profits, and other organizations provide scholarship funds to students entering or continuing in higher education programs across the country. They are different from grants in that they are primarily merit-based, as opposed to need-based, and loans in that they do not have to be repaid. This page provides a listing of some of the scholarship opportunities catering to Scouts, both by design (as per the National Eagle Scout Association - NESA programs) and through selection criteria focusing on community involvement, leadership, and academic merit (as per the Boettcher).

The Federal Student Aid website has some helpful information about applying to scholarships and federal grant programs. The University of Colorado at Denver scholarship page provides a good breakdown of the way scholarships are awarded, where they come from, and what you can do to better your chances of receiving funding.

While this listing is not complete, it should hopefully serve as a good introduction to the opportunities that are available to help you pay for your education. The best thing to remember is that there are a wide variety of scholarships available and the more research you do into the opportunities that fit your educational plans and personal history the more likely you are to find assistance in financing your higher education.

The John and Marjorie Madden Merit Scholarship

This endowment was established by John and Marjorie Madden to ensure the highest quality and continuity of camp staff members for the Denver Area Council camps. The scholarship is given annually to selected registered members of the Boy Scouts who meet all requirements. Merit-based consideration is given for community involvement, demonstrated academic ability, creativity of service, leadership opportunities, and personal initiative.

In order to apply and receive this scholarship, students must work for one of the Denver Area Council's summer camps (Peaceful Valley Scout Ranch or Tahosa High Adventure Base) for one full year. Interested applicants should request a Camp Director Evaluation form from their camp supervisor.

To apply for the Madden Merit Scholarship, download the application using the latest version of the Adobe Acrobat Reader software and complete the form on your computer. The complete Application Packet isdue: November 14, 2014. Interviews for qualified applicants will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2015.

Continuing Madden Scholar Forms

Returning Madden Scholars may also need to use the Madden Scholarship Forms that are shown under the "General" Madden Scholar such as the Community Service Form and Camp Director Evaluation Form. For further information or if you have questions please call 720.266.2101.

Scholarships for Scouts

The National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) has several scholarships for Eagle Scouts varying in amount from $61,000 to $50,000. Their Academic Scholarships have the higher award amounts, but can only be applied for by graduating high school seniors and entering college the year that they apply for the scholarship, while their Merit Scholarships provide $1,000 awards to entering or continuing undergraduate students.

The American Legion sponsors a scholarship for the Eagle Scout of the Year, which provides one $10,000 award and three $2,500 awards. They also oversee several other scholarship opportunities not directly related to Scouting.

The Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Scholarship provides several awards, one for $8,000, one for $4,000, and two for $2,000. The contest is open to all Eagle Scouts under 19 years old, and is usually entered through a local chapter of Sons of the American Revolution (NSSAR).

Deadline: December 15, 2015

Application: Eagle Scouts should submit their application to their Chapter chairs. The application and other information can be found here and the forms printed from this site must accompany the application. The applicant should be submitted to you chapter chair. There are four SAR chapters in Colorado (email or call the State Chair in unable to contact):

Bill of Rights Institute Competition. The Competition is structured around two short essays (500 word maximum) related to the Constitution and the Founding Principles. Win up to $1,000.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars administer a scholarship with three awards, for $1,000, $3,000, and $5,000. This contest is open to Eagle Scouts still in high school, as well as members of several other scouting organizations.

Other Scholarships

The Boettcher Scholarship awards 40 full-ride scholarships to Colorado high school students that are good at any 4-year program in the state of Colorado. The selection committee looks for applicants with superior academic achievement, leadership ability, community involvement, and outstanding character.

Colorado Asset is an organization working to develop a standard in-state tuition rate for Colorado colleges and universities. They also maintain a listing of scholarships open to Colorado students.

The Denver Foundation oversees a number of scholarships for which Colorado students can apply.

By agreeing to serve in the armed forces after graduation, ROTC provides scholarships to many 4-year universities throughout the country that cover up to the cost of attendance and provide a monthly living allowance.

The Horatio Alger Colorado Scholarship awards nine $5,000 scholarships to Colorado high school students towards the cost of education at any 4-year college or university in the country. They look for students with academic achievement, community involvement, and financial need.

National Merit Scholarship Program: This scholarship is tied to taking the PSAT before the senior year of high school, and provides $2,500 awards. As well, certain schools, such as Colorado College listed below, have awards for National Merit Program Finalists.

By agreeing to serve in the armed forces after graduation, ROTC provides scholarships to many 4-year universities throughout the country that cover up to the cost of attendance and provide a monthly living allowance.

Institutional Scholarships

Colleges and Universities oversee scholarship programs for their entering and continuing students. These scholarships generally go to students with high academic achievement as measured by SAT and ACT scores, class rank, and GPA, as well as to students with histories of community involvement and leadership. Some scholarships require a separate application, which could be a standard institution application for some or all available scholarships, or a separate application for each specific scholarship, while others consider all admitted students automatically. This aid can be overseen by the university at large, the college (for example, the college of arts and sciences, or the school of education), or the department (i.e. English, History, etc.) The schools listed below are all located within the state of Colorado, but most schools have similar programs and give scholarship and grant aid to their students, which can be found by checking their financial aid site or contacting someone in the financial aid office. The important thing to keep in mind is that you should not be dissuaded from applying to a school because of the sticker price, as this can often be much higher than the amount your family will be expected to contribute.

Military Academies

The United States Military Academies provide full tuition support and a stipend to all admitted students in exchange for a commitment to serve as an officer after graduation. Admission is very competitive, and the application is extensive. They look for applicants that are unmarried United States citizens between the ages of 17 and 23 with good moral character and high leadership, academic, and physical abilities. The links provided below direct you to the admissions website at each school.